What to look for

[TrenchFisherman]

I am sure this question has come up thousands of times already but I can't find a complete list of things to look for when looking for boat rot. I know to take a hammer and tap on the stringers and hope to hear a nice solid sound but should I be tapping anything on the outside of the boat on the underneath or transom? If I take a ice pick do I need to drill a pilot hole first or just try to punch in through the glass coating? I have been on the boat and there is no soft spots on the deck and it is in mint condition for the age but I guess that can be deceiving if it has been docked in the water for 20 years. Thanks a lot guys!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What to look for

Welcome to iBoats!

It would be nice if we knew what kind of boat you were looking at. The age of the Boat would be nice to know too.

Pics are ALWAYS welcome!!!!


I'm just sayin...

 

[drewpster]

Re: What to look for

The most obvious sign in my book is soft spots in the deck. Tapping with a hammer or "sounding" has never done anything for me but make noise. But then I dont do it every day, surveyors may have a better ear.
You mentioned it is in the water, is it a larger boat? If so, I recommend a surveyor. If it is a smaller boat, core drilling is the best method.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: What to look for

I'd recommend a pocketknife and a flashlight. Plan to poke around for while. Look the screws and joints and fittings. Look under things, in holds and behind panels. Be wary of new paint and carpet.

Get a sea trial if possible.

Good luck!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What to look for

Check the transom on the inside ....... an ice pick is obvious nut a phillips screwdriver works too......


All points hit the major point..... a water trial is one of the most important things.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: What to look for

This should be sticky...but...

What year,make and model....

aye..pics

YD.